Interview with Brooks Forsyth

Hailing from Boone, North Carolina, Brooks Forsyth is a new class of Americana singer-songwriters that embraces a variety of genres from Appalachia, folk, country blues, bluegrass, roots rock and beyond.

The versatile guitar player reels in the audience with a masterful flat and fingerpicking style and his melodic storyteller voice. With three albums under his belt, Brooks is an accomplished songwriter whose music can be heard worldwide. Throughout the last fifteen years, Brooks has performed solo and with a variety of musical ensembles across the US. He is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on his fourth album anticipated in Fall 2022.

Who inspired you to make music?

Doc Watson, I saw him perform at a local park. I ran up to the side of the stage and my Dad chased after me. I just stood there, stageside, mesmerized by Doc’s performance on the guitar. It was one of the first memories I have of enjoying music and wanting to be an entertainer.

What was the inspiration in writing your new/recent single; what is the song about?

My new single is a cover of “Everlasting Love.” My producer Buzz Cason wrote it in the 60s with Mac Gayden. It’s become a hit record for a number of recording artists throughout the years. Buzz inspired me to record it. It’s a quintessential song about the eternal bond of love with a new contemporary earthy vibe. I’m very proud of how the recording came together.

How would you describe your style and the music that you create/record/perform?

My music is a melting pot of Appalachia, folk, country blues, bluegrass, and roots rock. It’s just “American” music.

What is your creative process like (in both music and writing)?

My “creative” is an evolving thing; normally, it comes when I least expect it.

What is one message you like to share with your fans?

Thank you for listening!

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The Internet has created a much more vast network in which to disseminate and find music. With that comes higher accessibility but, on the flip side, higher saturation.

Do you have a ritual of sorts when writing or performing your music? Or just before taking the stage?

My ritual is practical. Before taking the stage, I make sure I have plenty of guitar picks together in one place (usually my shirt pocket).

What led you to become a music artist and what advice can you give to others aspiring to make it? What makes you confident in your decision?

I saw Doc Watson perform when I was very young and his performance inspired me.

My advice is to focus on making music that’s real to you.

What keeps me confident is that I probably couldn’t do anything else that well. Music is my only option!

In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to “rising to the top” to become successful?

I think it’s important not to spend too much time comparing yourself to other artists. The best course of action is to stay focused on making your own music and rise to the top of your OWN game.

When do you feel like you will have become successful?

The finish line keeps getting extended when I reach the intended goal line. I hope to always move toward furthering my goals with music, without becoming too satisfied. That would be a success for me.

What is the best advice you’ve been given as it relates to your career?

“Don’t play everything (or every time); let some things go by… What you don’t play can be more important than what you do” – Thelonious Monk

I remember first hearing it and thinking it was somewhat generic. Now I consider it some of the best advice I’ve ever heard. I’m on a continuous path to practice it, in music, and in just about everything else.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I’d like it to be easier for artists to retain their rights to their songs/recordings. I think it’s becoming easier with the digital age, and I hope it continues in that direction.

What about your music is unconventional, or unusual, or a standout among other artists/recordings?

Whether people care for the style or not, I think my voice has a pretty distinct sound.

What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?

I’m inspired by all kinds of music. I like big bands; I like Bossa nova and a lot in between. I think this results in an interesting melting pot of influence, which makes my own music a bit different.

Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?

There are phases where it seems to have a very clear direction; but overall, my music and career continue to evolve.

What do you enjoy most about being an artist/performer?

As a songwriter and musician, I enjoy being able to have a platform to express my perceptions of the world.

What does your music say about you?

Well, not everything, but just about…

What are your overall ambitions as a songwriter/recording artist?

I hope to keep recording. I have a lot of songs that have been building up that I feel I need to get down. Everything else seems to be a means to making that happen.

When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?

My purpose in writing and creating music varies; most often, it’s to move “me” in some way with the hope that what I’ve felt, or what I have to say, will move others.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career?

It’s been a challenge to follow through with my original artistic intentions, versus determining if I need to alter them.

Do you ever experience writer’s block, and if so, how do you “breakthrough?”

I will write a few songs in a night, and then sometimes not write for months. I don’t really understand how it works; a lot of times, my inspirations come at times when I least expect it. Traveling can stir the creative wellspring for me, for example.

If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be?

Listen to your heart and stay true to the music you want to make.

Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?

A – Be careful, and safe, traveling by yourself on the road. And get yourself some good fingernail clippers.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Playing guitar (when the gigs run dry)!

If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?

“Dive Bar Wonders”

You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?

Blue, because “it’s a blue world…”

What would be a good theme song for your life?

“Nightlife” – Willie Nelson